I have a significant air leak in my rear tire. I have a dealer checking it out now, but suspect that they'll come back with the old "You need to replace the tire" line. (The rubber is still good, but if it has a hole in it, my understanding is that you don't repair, you only replace.)

So, I believe it currently has an Avon 195 (? - not sure, bike isn't in front of me) on the rear. I don't ride crazy-hard, don't lay it down nearly sideways in curves, but do like to corner hard sometimes. Try to avoid riding in the rain, but sometimes, you know, you get caught in the rain.

So, pretty much normal riding, and I want to take some long trips this coming spring/summer.

I've read the forum on tires, and people seem pretty passionate about which tires are the best. I'd like to get your opinion on what tires provide the best value and performance.

I'm sure by the time this thread has been around a week, you will have at least 10 different tires brands given to you. As for me, I've run a good number of different tires and there is only one I will NOT buy again, that is the Metzler 880. Yes, they wear well, handle fair on dry pavement, but when it rains, you have to make an effort to avoid the painted sections of the road as they slip fairly easily on that. The Avons, they handle well (wet and dry) but don't hold up very long, meaning they wear out rather quickly. So, just read what each person has to say and try to pick one that suits your riding style.

My tires of choice right now for the C10 is the Avon Storm 2 Ultra (front) and Azaro (rear).

In stock sizes, I concur with this choice of tires. If you have done any 17" conversions the choices open up... a LOT. No... actually WAY more than a LOT. However, the Avons are excellent tires for most conditions and in the stock sizes offer unmatched performance as far as handling and grip are concerned. They are NOT long life tires, but give outstanding service for as long as they do last.

Now talking about tires lasting a long time... I realize that money doesn't grow on trees and we all want to maximize our bang for the buck, but one thing I keep in mind is that as tires near the end of their lifespan the handling, feel, and performance is compromised, right? And a long life tire, if you insist on getting the life out of it, will generally keep you on crappy tires for waaaaayyyyy too long for real enjoyment or safety, IMHO. Just another thought to toss into the equation of shopping for tires.

I consider tires as maintenance/disposable items rather than as a permanent fixture of the motorcycle. When they cease giving me what I want, I throw em away and get some that do. Yeah, I gripe about the expense, but I'm always thrilled with the ride after swapping em out and THAT is what I like... having a ride that performs at 100%, as close to 100% of the time as possible. Just my .02

I vote for the BT45s. On my second rear and the first front is going away.I do agree with Rev, but personal, I can not use 100% of the bikes potential. I do not need the sticky short lived Avons. The BTs stick better than I can ride and last fairly long.I will never under any circumstances put the Metzler 880s back on the bike. That is what was on it when I bought it. They wear like iron, but they are godawful slick in the wet stuff, or even under hard breaking on dry surfaces.I dream of 17" wheels

So, I believe it currently has an Avon 195 (? - not sure, bike isn't in front of me) on the rear. I don't ride crazy-hard, don't lay it down nearly sideways in curves, but do like to corner hard sometimes. Try to avoid riding in the rain, but sometimes, you know, you get caught in the rain.

I've read the forum on tires, and people seem pretty passionate about which tires are the best. I'd like to get your opinion on what tires provide the best value and performance.

Asking what tires are best is like asking who's the prettiest girl. You'll get folks asking why you think that even matters in the choice

I've been mostly happy with the Avons. I don't do much mileage tho', so relatively fast wear isn't an issue. If they wore longer I'd probably have to replace them from dry rot anyway. Most of my seat time is at 20-40MPH herding bicycles or commuting. Which come to think of it most of that is at the same speed.

I can get the rear to slip around here, but Austin's streets are paved with reclaimed fryer grease and BBQ drippin's.

Know you were looking for a 'best', but the Tire List is over here. I'm linking the front page instead of the link since I'm not certain it will remain constant as I edit the 'front page'. Go through the ToC and you'll get there. It's a bare bone page so it ought to load quickly.http://web.newsguy.com/vrooomm/Connie/

I'm a Dunflop hater hater hater (yeah, that bad). But now that I have 17" rims and can run any tire I want... I've got a set of Roadsmarts on there and I like em a lot. Hated the 205s though... hate hate hate. Sorry, cuppin', squarin'-off, no stickin', so and sos.

I'm a Dunflop hater hater hater (yeah, that bad). But now that I have 17" rims and can run any tire I want... I've got a set of Roadsmarts on there and I like em a lot. Hated the 205s though... hate hate hate. Sorry, cuppin', squarin'-off, no stickin', so and sos.

There, I feel better now. They were MUCH better than the OEM rubber.

The Dunlop RoadSmart front tire is much better than the Dunlop D205 front tire because of the multiple compound tread. Too bad Dunlop hasn't made a RoadSmart tire in 150/80-16.

If the manufacturers decide to quit making the C10 sized tires in the near future I'm going to make a beeline to get 17" rims OR get another bike.

Can't say that I have personal experience w/ that tire but a friend has been happy w/ Shinko Raven tires. The best thing about them was the price but in the same breath there have been problems w/ quality.

I ordered a Storm 2 front tire in 120/70 - 18 from swmototires.com. Best price I found anywhere and free shipping. Thanks for all the info from everyone. I will order the rear Avon AV46 from swmototires.com when it is time to replace my Dunlop D205 rear.